Rachel’s Worship Experience
Written by: Rachel Hesse, Xavier Nursing Student
Going to church for a 3 hour worship service was never a desire of mine, but I have never laughed, smiled, danced, and sang at the top of my lungs (not well, mind you) as much as I did that day. The happiness, the joy, the faith, the love, and the hope was overflowing out of the small sanctuary. It was something beyond inspiring.
I have never felt God’s presence within a community as much as I did being surrounded by the villagers on my trip to Malawi. They were dressed in their best and greeting us warmly. In the words of Liz, the best word to describe it was truly agape. It was pure undeniable love, hope, and belief that even in the hardest of times, God will provide. Just as our reading taught us, even when we struggle and begin to sink, God will always be with us.
In Malawi, those who have nothing and struggle everyday to survive, to feed and protect their families, surround us. Yet, they have the most faith and joy in God’s grace. You will never know a stranger in Malawi, only friends. Seeing the room light up when we started to sing our song in Chichewa during the worship service is something I will cherish forever. We were truly marching in the light of God (Hallelujah!).
Take a look at Maria’s experience!
Your description of the church experience mirrors my experiences and expresses it far better than I ever had. Thank you for sharing this.